“We snatched defeat from the jaws of victory,” said Tonkin, who while disappointed with the 17-16 loss, marvelled at the great occasion.

“It was a fantastic match, there was a good crowd and it really was a great day for local rugby,” Tonkin said.

As co-coach with Simon Fleming, Tonkin believed the Barbarians had the measure - albeit marginally - of the Blues for all but the final minutes.

Indeed they led 16-10 and the fat lady was clearing her throat - when a Barbarians brain snap opened the door for Armidale.

“We probably should have kicked deep but we didn’t and then we turned it over and they scored underneath the posts,” Tonkin said.

“If you had asked me on Friday whether I would have been happy with a one point loss to Armidale - one of the strongest sides in the competition - I probably would have said ‘yeah’.

“I mean this time last year we played them and lost 105 to nil so we’re a 104-point better side than then.

“But having said that it was disappointing to lose the match after having the better of it for so much of the game.

“In the end I’m trying to coach the players to win, but I’m also about trying to make them better players.

“Next time we’re in that position to win it will happen because we’ll learn from that game and our players will be smarter and better for it.”

Tonkin said while Armidale were slightly under strength with Mike Te Moana on NSW Country duties and John Roberts leaving at halftime due to work commitments, the Barbarians had shown what they were capable of.

Flanker Chris Walton had a blinder, while centres David and Tim Boyle and halfback Aaron Fleming were also standouts for the Baa Baas.

“And our front row was really strong. I wouldn’t say we dominated them but we certainly disrupted their scrum. But in the end we made too many silly errors in the second half and neither side could win their own lineouts.”

Tonkin and the re-energised Barbarians now face a frustrating month ‘due to the nature of the competition’.

“We’ve got a bye next, then Guyra, then Glen Innes who only have a second grade side, then Robb, Armidale again and Albies midway through the university holidays so it’s not ideal,” Tonkin said.

While there were plenty of positives for the Barbarians, the Blues and local rugby, the second grade clash also exceeded expectation.

It was another one point victory, but this time to the Barbarians, 13-12.

Meanwhile, St Albert’s took the points in the easiest but most hollow of manners, by forfeit from Glen Innes.

Armidale Blues 17 (Michael Hallam, Liam Gallaher, Simon Wood tries. Patrick Strong con) def UNE Barbarians 16 (Dave Boyle 2 tries. Fintan Langan 2 pen).

Robb College 8 (Hamish McKinnon try, Luke Perry pen) def Dorrigo Rangers 0.

St Albert’s def Glen Innes by forfeit.

Second grade:

UNE Barbarians 13 (John Ellis try, Chris Heywood con, 2 pen) def Armidale Blues 12 (Brodie Rigby, Scott Davies tries. Rob Biseley con).

First grade table:

Armidale Blues 9

UNE Barbarians 5

St Albert’s 5

Robb College 4

Dorrigo Rangers 0

Guyra Ghosts 0.